Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1887-01-20
of his corps, constituted the relieving

OF nlS corps, cOnSIlGuIcu Lne IelloflnB
force.
Piet Uys, it appeared, had heard the
firing at the commencement of the at
tack. and riding forward soon discover
ed how matters stood. lie knew there
was no force nearer than Helpmakaar,
and that consisted only of infantry; but
in the morning he had passed, proceed
ing from Ladysmith en- route for Piet-
ermaritZburg, "Bettingtons Horse" ;"
Thinking over the chances, he made up
his mind to ride. and, if possible, over
take Bettington, who, he calculated,
would halt at ''Currie's Post" between
Bushman's Pass and the Umgani falls J;
and If he succeeded could conduct the
party by short cut across the country
to the scene of action.
Acting promptly on this, he rode
hard into Ladysmith, ,apprising the Res
ident Magistrate, Mr.. Moody, OF the
Zulu attack, and then went at racing
pace for "Currle's Post"
Mr.. Moody at once organized party
to proceed on foot with stretchers and
medical appliances for any that might
be wounded, should the relieving force
reach in time to be of use TO the be-
leagured party.
Piet Uys succeeded in overtaking
Bettington, as he hoped. and the latter,
selecting fifty of his best mounted men,
followed the gallant Dutchman across
the country to the farm house, with the
result already mentioned.
well, Maitland, I'm glad to see you
safe,' said Bettington, shaking hands
with him /; though you all seem to be
pretty wei! mauled.'
Yes ! it was close shave, and |
can't imagine how you came so oppor.
tunely-in the very nick of time.'
For that you may thank my friend,
Piet Uys,' he answered. If it had not
been for his energetic and loyal action,
you would all have been gathered to
your fathers before this. However.
"All's well that ends WE'LL" And now
let us see what damage has been done
They first turned their attention to
Captain Ferrars. who, poor fellow, was
in critical state, as bullet, rebound
ing from the wall, had wounded him in
the side; but they did all that could be
done for him.
The day was now breaking, and
trooper was sent off to Ladysmith to
explain the state Of affairs.
Dr.Andrews addressed himself to the
task of binding up the hurts of those
that had been hit, and afterwards when
the sun had risen, they all went out to
take look at the scene of the conflict.
The house and grounds had forlorn
and dismal appearance. The trim tiow-
er beds and kitchen garden trampled IN
mud, the doors pierced with bullet
holes, the smouldering fire of The burn
ing outhouse, all presented very des-
olate outlook, while. in addition, there
were lying about the bodies of forty or
fifty dead Zulus. Many more must
haye been wounded, as traces OF blood
were subsequently followed up close to
the Zulu border, which was not half an
hours walk from the house.
In the course of the day, carts and
stretchers arrived, and the wounded
were taken into Ladysmith, where also
was conveyed the body of DR.. Goodeve
for interment. There they were well
cared for by the kind hearted Resident
Magistrate and, with the exception of
Captain FerraIs, who was unable to be
moved, were soon in condition to pro-
ceed to their destination.
Piet Uys returned to his farm, only
to meet his death later on. while brave.
ly fighting by the side of Evelyn Wood
1.-THE man with the charmed life) at 70
biana Mountain, haying previously re-
ceiyed the decoration of &. M. e. for
his courage and loyalty.
The other actors in this stirring little
episode are still alive and well, with the
exception of Major Bettington, who
died year after, while in command OF
the mounted police in the West Indies,
to which he had been appointed in re-
cognition of his services during the Zu-
lu campaign.
Halo, Maitland i said a CHEEKY
voice, addressing that gentleman in the
camp at Pine Town some months after
the occurrences narrated here.
What, Ferrars y said the major,
heartily shaking his hand. L am right
glad to meet you, for thought l had
seen the last of you after that affair at
Boshoff's Farm, but, thank God, you
are all right again
Yes, thank God y said the other,
reverently raising his hat.